Wind propulsion unit and vessel comprising such a unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a vessel comprising a wind propulsion unit () that is elongate in a vertical direction when in the operating position comprising propulsive elements () and a mast (). The invention relates to a tilt device comprising a base () that is rigidly attached to a proximal region of the mast () of a unit, which tilt device rotates on a horizontal main axis (A) on a support () attached to a deck of the vessel, a tilt control device () causing the base to rotate relative to the support, which tilt control device comprises a first actuator () capable of generating a linear force in a horizontal direction and a redirection element () connecting the actuator to the base () in order to exert a force on the base in a first region () located at a distance from the main axis, and a locking device () for locking the base () to the support element (), which locking device comprises a second actuator () that is capable of exerting, in a second region () of the base (), a retaining force in the vertical direction. The wind propulsion unit () can be moved, by virtue of the one or more first actuators (), between an inactive position, wherein it extends along the deck of the vessel and an erect position, the locking device () being capable of contributing to holding the unit in its active position.